Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.

Custom Search

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

[MI] Deputy Williams ARRESTED for DV assault, but...

Deputy charged with domestic violence remains on dutyKalamazoo GazetteBY REX HALL JR.rhall@kalamazoogazette.comTuesday, January 29, 2008 A Kalamazoo County sheriff's deputy has been charged with misdemeanor domestic violence over incident at his Portage residence, authorities said. Gregory J. Williams, 50, was arraigned Monday on the charge, which is punishable by up to 93 days in jail. Portage police Sgt. John Blue said officers arrested Williams after responding to a report of an assault at about 11:05 p.m. Saturday. Blue said the investigation continues, and he declined to elaborate. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Mike Anderson said an internal investigation was launched Monday by his department. He said Williams, a deputy in the jail who has been with the sheriff's department since 1982, will remain on duty as the probe continues. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink said Monday his office was in the process of filing paperwork with the Michigan Attorney General's Office to request that a special prosecutor from another county be assigned to the case.

1 comment:

KALAMAZOO -- A Kalamazoo County sheriff's deputy accused of domestic violence has been given a 10-day unpaid suspension but he won't be charged with a crime, authorities said.

Gregory J. Williams, 50, who is a deputy in the County Jail and has worked for the sheriff's department since 1982, is suspended until April 4, Sheriff Mike Anderson said.

In addition to the suspension, which began Monday, Anderson stripped Williams of his policing powers, taking away Williams' authority to carry a weapon and make arrests. However, the move will not affect Williams' day-to-day function in the jail.

Williams also will be required to attend counseling sessions through the county's employee assistance program, the sheriff said.

Portage police officers arrested Williams in January after responding to a report of an assault at his residence. Williams was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence in connection with the incident, which involved his wife.

Calhoun County Prosecutor John Hallacy, who was brought in as a special prosecutor to investigate, declined to authorize charges and closed the case March 5. Misdemeanor domestic violence is punishable by up to 93 days in jail.

Anderson said Williams' wife refused to cooperate with the sheriff's department's internal investigation of the incident. Authorities decided to take disciplinary action after obtaining information through interviews with WIlliams and a Portage police report, Anderson said.

``We believe the preponderance of evidence indicated he violated departmental policies,'' said Anderson, who added that investigators believe the incident between Williams and his wife was ``a one-time incident.''

Lynn Turner can be reached at 388-8564 or lturner@kalamazoogazette.com. Rex Hall Jr. can be reached at 388-7784 or rhall@kalamazoogazette.com.